Hardly two weeks after being told that he is cancer free, Australia’s former IBF featherweight world champion Billy Dib has said he won’t rule out fighting again.
The inspirational 37-year-old, whose brother Youssef is a pro and 19-0, told the Boxing Life Stories podcast not to be surprised if he returns to the ring.
“I’m not in the best of health just yet, but I’m sure I’ll get there,” Dib said. “Who knows what’s to come. People ask me, ‘Are you going to fight again? What are you going to do?’ And I don’t know what I’m going to do. All I know is that I’m here for a far greater purpose than just boxing, there’s a lot of great things that will come from this and I feel I’m going to be one of those people who’s going to inspire many people to overcome their adversities, hardships and setbacks.”
Dib has been going through gruelling chemotherapy but now he is inspired by helping and supporting others. He wants to travel – when he is medically cleared to do so – and become one of the great keynote speakers of the generation. He’s also released a book, True Heart, which he wrote so his son would be able to read if Billy didn’t make it through the treatment having been given six months to love.
Of fighting again, Dib added: “The things is, I boxed in March of last year and the plan was to fight beat Jacob Ng, beat him and go on to maybe fight against George Kambosos or someone in the lightweight division. We even talked to Jorge Linares’s people and there were a few fights that were tossed up, and to be honest with you, I was more looking for a big fight that would pay me the right money, the money that I deserve, to be able to sail off into the sunset, obviously with a win, because everyone wants to go out a winner. But God hads other plans, I got cancer and I was in the fight of my life. Now I’m getting better, but I’m sure if an offer was made and it was a handsome offer, I would definitely consider it…. But if I never boxed again I would be alright with it.”
Dib’s priority is to be signed off by doctors so he can travel, make memories with his wife and son and inspire others, particularly those who have experienced the dreadful impact of cancer.
“That’s the plan, the plan is to go out there and shed the light and be a voice for those who don’t have a voice,” Dib explained. “I just want to be there for people who need it, because at the end of the day it’s about giving back when you can and I want to help whoever needs help. I posted on social media the other night and just said, ‘Cancer’s a very difficult thing and if anyone needs any advice or they’ve gone through it themselves, I’m only a phone call away and I’m, here if you want to talk.’”
